WE'RE hoping that Looking Back readers can help us solve this mystery.

Hazel Hardy, formerly of Dorset, has got in touch because she is putting together her family tree and is trying to identify the people in the photo and the building behind them.

Her Grandfather was John Harbin Esworth Hardy, better known as Jack Hardy, and he ran a builders business in Weymouth from the 1930s to the1950s when his son Albert Hardy took over.

Hazel said: "They built Hardy Avenue, Markham Avenue, houses along Chickerell Road at Pye Hill, Chapelhay, Radipole Lane and Abbotsbury Road, where the family also ran an ironmongers around the same period.

"My granddad Jack Hardy died in 1960."

Hazel said that during the war all building of houses ceased and her grandfather was asked if he could build coffins.

She said: "This was the start of a new business as undertakers, assisted by his eldest son Albert Hardy, who continued in the business until he retired."

Hazel and her family are asking for help with this photo in identifying the building which Hardy and builders were working on.

as it seems more like a Industrial premises.

All we know is it is circa 1939 we have been informed that it was taken before all the workers went off to war as a record of the men that worked for my Grandfather.

Some people have thought it might be Weymouth's old fire station, Hazel said, because it was left unfinished during the war and was contracted to a building firm from Bournemouth, as mentioned in records.

Apparently all local builders were asked to help complete it, as well as the firemen who worked there after the war.

The men whom Hazel and family can identify are: Jack Hardy, middle row centre in the jacket.

Front row, 4th along is Albert Hardy, 5th along Harold Hardy, 2nd from right a Mr. Avery. Back row third from the right is Arthur Mogridge's cousin.

Hazel said: "If anyone could please let us know anyone you would recognise or any information of the building being built."

*So is it the old fire station and who is in the photo?

If you can help, contact Looking Back on 01305 830973 or email joanna.davis@dorsetecho.co.uk